Sharing the National Collection: Japanese artworks in Temora honour shared histories

Pieces from four celebrated Japanese ceramic artists will take pride of place in Temora Arts Centre in the latest loan announced under the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

The artworks will make their way out of storage at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and travel to the town of Temora in New South Wales’ Riverina region, where they will be on display for two years from June 2024.

Temora’s strong relationship with its sister city Izumizaki, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, guided the local gallery in its choice of works. They include:

• untitled Oval (1994) by Japanese-born American ceramic artist Jun Kaneko
• Sogu katachi (2005) by Shigekazu Nagae, one of the leading pioneers of porcelain casting and firing techniques in Japan
• Kigen (Genesis) no 1 (2013) by Ken Mihara, a ceramic artist born in Izumo, Japan
• Chrysanthemum tray (2008) by awarding-winning Japanese artist Takeshi Mitsumoto.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said it was fantastic to see local galleries choosing artworks that hold special meaning for their communities.

“At any point in time 98 per cent of the National Gallery’s collection is in storage.

“As part of our national cultural policy Revive we’ve been sharing artworks from the Gallery’s collection, getting them out of dark storage rooms in Canberra and on display in galleries across the country.

“This part of New South Wales has a longstanding relationship with Japan, as well as a strong history of ceramic making.

“Having these beautiful Japanese artworks find their way to the Temora Arts Centre is a significant display of the importance of that relationship.”

Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill, said she was looking forward to seeing the exhibit when it’s launched in June.

 “Rural and regional communities deserve to share in the breadth of art and cultural experiences.

 “I’m thrilled that Temora’s residents and the many visitors to the Riverina will have another reason to engage with the Temora Arts Centre and experience the National Gallery’s collection.”

 National Gallery of Australia Director Dr Nick Mitzevich welcomed the latest loan under Sharing the National Collection.

“The National Gallery is thrilled to partner with the Temora Art Centre.

“The Sharing the National Collection initiative has provided the opportunity to work with regional and suburban galleries across Australia to share works of art that hold significance to the region, such as this wonderful concept to display artists who originate from their sister city in Japan.”

Jeremy Kruckel, Temora Arts Centre Manager said, “I am incredibly excited to announce the loan of spectacular artworks to the Temora Arts Centre, courtesy of the National Gallery.

“This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting partnership, enriching our community with more incredible displays in the future. I am deeply thankful to the National Gallery for this opportunity and look forward to sharing these treasures with everyone in Temora."

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

The works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website. 

Regional and suburban galleries can register their expressions of interest via this link.